Wedding #3

We attended the wedding of my American cosuin, Satchiko Young to Jim Young (no relation) in sunny Olympia Wasington. In an evening chock full of neat Americanisms such as an online-ordained 'minister', alcohol-inspired bravado and hand guns we witnessed Jim and his family 'gitter done'. As the requisite family picture can attest, quite a few of the Canadian Youngs were able to attend- notables include Cliff and Jean and our newest cousin Kelly. Much to our surprise (disappointment?) we were granted entry into the USA for the weekend despite (inspite?) of yelling 'Allah ahkbar!' as we drove up to the border waving cans of shaving cream.

July 7 harbour crusin'

All these summer weddings must have rubbed off - I found myself securing a ring and proposing to Amy on a local dinner cruise around Vancouver. To my great joy and surprise she said that she would 'get back to me on that'. In the meantime I entered into negotiations with her father on the subject of a dowry - I suggested a healthy hereford, but he quickly dismissed that and countered with an offering of a lame chicken. We've agreed to table the issue for now.

Wedding #2

Wedding #2 was my cousin's wedding on Kalamalka Lake, outisde of Kelowna. Although I emcee'd the reception I was able to imbibe spirits with the 180 Pound Club; a process the peaked with a flaming pyramid of tequila. It was great to have the Hoffarth clan together again and I was able to spend a few nights with Willy the Whippet whom my mother brought down for the occasion. You're my boy Will!

My first sweat lodge!

In August I attended my first sweat lodge ceremony - another traditional aboriginal cleansing and prayer ceremony. The ceremony was led by the Semiahoo band chief - it was very hot and I left quite energized. Doing this regularly would be of great phyiscal and spiritual benefit.

Wedding #1

This was the first of our 3 weddings this summer. We attended Amy's cousins ceremony in Sun Peaks near Kelowna; luckily the hotel had great central air conditioning as the temperature that weekend reached 40 degrees in the area. We stopped in a sudden rain shower on the Coquihalia highway and cooled off on the side of the road.